No wonder we are all in such a mess

After returning from a planning meeting with Newcastle City Council last Friday, it was with great interest that I read Mr Cure’s letter on green power (News Guardian, May 1).

The meeting that I attended required a committee to reach a decision over a proposed change of use of a building, to which a number of objections had been raised.

During the course of the deliberations, information relevant to the issue at hand was produced and discussed.

It was, mostly, inaccurate and known to be so by knowledgeable observers present in the room.

Because of the arbitrary bureaucratic framework governing the meeting, those who knew the correct facts, and could have guided the proceedings, were prevented from speaking.

The information offered was accepted at face value and, in due course, an irrevocable decision was reached.

Now I don’t know whether the decision was right or wrong. Further, because of its nature, that judgement will always be subjective and will depend upon to what extent, and in what manner, one’s life will be affected.

I do believe, however, that the decision, being based upon inaccurate information, is unreliable.

It may be, of course, that my singular experience of the manner in which political decisions are taken is not typical.

Though, if I were a betting man I would not risk the family silver on it.

Mr Cure’s analysis of the muddle surrounding green energy seems to be well argued, researched and supported by authoritative sources.

After my meeting last Friday, I can now very well imagine the treatment it would receive in a meeting of politicians all motivated by their own mutually incompatible agendas.